...not only punk rock, but annoying on a much deeper, sub-sonic level-- Would be my rock-writer assessment of the 'legend' that is Greg Ginn. Naturally, he is most associated with Black Flag, being the only constant from start to finish. A casual glance at his homepage will reveal that in fact, he still plays, records, and designs electronics. Admittedly, I have not been a keen follower of his post-Flag work, except for GONE, perhaps. Nowadays, he has kept up the jam-rock style of playing that characterized the later days of Black Flag (good Lord! I am sounding like a hack writer). Regardless, as a young punk-rocker and aspiring band member , Greg Ginn was inspiring in many ways, which will prove to be near impossible to put down in type...
...as someone who cannot play guitar solos, Mr. Ginn is an inspiration and prime example. Reading his Wikipedia page, there is discussion about "free form jazz" and "atonal phrasing"...what..? To me, it sounds like he doesn't know where he is, which is a good thing. I enjoy the off-putting effect that his playing has, especially all of the off/ missed notes. In my opinion, a good/ inventive guitarist can carry a band. Whenever Black Flag added a second guitarist, it was superfluous, as Ginn could carry rhythm and lead, much like Wilko Johnson (see neat-o guitarists #1). I find his playing to be very atmospheric--just now, I am listening to the classic live album "Who's Got the 10 and 1/2?"--'Slip It in' is a beautiful example of dynamics and pure feel--slimy and groovy, with that hook note grounding the ear-shattering lead line....blah blah blah...actually, it's more of the sound Ginn has..a sound that smells...
...unlike other punk rock guitarists, Greg Ginn does not rely solely on high end treble and distortion..his guitar is "wide open" (ha ha!)...everything, from bass to mids to treble is mixed together, in a lovely mess. I have tried to copy this myself, with limited success. I like to be able to hear everything coming from the guitar, especially in a live setting. Speaking of this, Greg Ginn's equipment consisted of a guitar and amp--nothing else--in fact, he often used a PA head, and turned everything up "to eleven"--completely naturally distortion which no amp, pedal, or sound man can recreate--weird harmonic overtones, etc. Other than that, he really beat the guitar (it would short out from 'fluids'-resulting in the installation of waterproof circuitry). As with Wilko Johnson, I really admire guitarists who use a very percussive technique when playing--again, something I have tried to copy, not to be cool, just for the sound---hopefully someone else notices!
...speaking about being noticed, Greg Ginn, when 'appearing' on stage, kind of stands there...focused on playing ( see "still standing still")...or, according to Henry Rollins, high as a kite...in the picture accompanying this post, he even looks a little like me, gawky and a little geeky...which, along with his playing, made him the perfect foil for Henry Rollins. As much as I like Henry Rollins, I think that Greg Ginn is the only player who complements Rollins' voice adequately. Perhaps in the years after Black Flag broke up, Rollins has been looking for another Greg Ginn, and vice-versa, but the former has refuted any rumours of a reunion ( at least with him). Black Flag did go on tour, with several former guitarists, but that ended in a few fainting spells and hospital visits, and besides, I wasn't interested...
...all I want for Xmas is a reunion....and an opening slot...and some beer tickets...
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